Roberta Aguirre
Traveling while on your period can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. Although tampons are allowed through airport security, some travelers have reported feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed when their period products have been flagged by security scanners. To avoid this, it is recommended to avoid carrying excess toilet paper or tissues in your pockets or bags. Unfortunately, menstrual products are not always readily available in airports or on planes, and travelers may be forced to rely on makeshift solutions, such as wads of toilet paper, which can be uncomfortable and unsanitary. This has sparked conversations about the need for better access to menstrual products in airports and on flights, with some organizations advocating for vending machines in airport restrooms and free products in employee restrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tampons allowed in airport security? | Yes, but tampons can show up on security scanners |
| Availability of tampons in airports | Tampons are not readily available in airports, but some people are advocating for this to change |
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What You'll Learn
Tampons and security scanners
Using tampons and other period products such as period panties while traveling may be unavoidable. However, it is important to note that what you wear can show up on security scanners. Katrina Selby, a residential counselor, shared her experience of being searched after a ball of tissue she had in her pocket lit up the security scanner. She said, "I was sick and had a tissue in my pocket. They did a full-body pat-down and then dug through my carry-on."
It is important to be aware that tampons and similar products may be visible on scanners, and excess tissue or toilet paper in pockets or clothing may also be detected and could lead to further searches. While it is not illegal or prohibited to carry tampons, it is something to be aware of when passing through security.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there have been calls for improved access to menstrual products at airports and on flights. Currently, passengers may need to rely on their own supplies or ask other travelers for products, which can be uncomfortable. Some airports and airlines are taking steps to address this issue, but there are still limited options for those who need period products while traveling.
To avoid any potential issues or embarrassment, it is advisable to be prepared when traveling during your period. Packing extra tampons or other preferred menstrual products in your carry-on bag can ensure you have what you need and reduce the risk of unexpected delays or searches during security checks. Being proactive can help make your travel experience more comfortable and stress-free.
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TSA searches
It's important to be mindful of what you wear when going through airport security, as certain clothing choices can lead to further searches. For instance, loose-fitting clothing that creates too much space between the fabric and your skin may be flagged by the scanner. Additionally, if you are feeling anxious and begin to sweat, this may also lead to further searches.
While tampons are allowed, it is recommended to avoid carrying excess toilet paper or tissues in your pockets or pants, as this may raise suspicions. It is also worth noting that items such as stuffed toys, stacks of cards, and even ukuleles have been known to attract attention from the TSA, so be prepared for the possibility of your belongings being poked, prodded, and searched.
Although TSA searches are necessary for security, it is important to advocate for the availability of menstrual products as a human right. The Friendly Airports for Mothers Act (FAM) is a positive step towards improving accessibility, and it is hoped that similar steps will be taken to ensure the availability of menstrual products in airports and on flights.
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Tampons and drug smuggling
Tampons are commonly used to stop uterine bleeding during menstruation. However, they have also been used for drug smuggling. In 2012, a woman in Salt Lake City, Utah, purchased a box of tampons from a local store and found that they contained small packages of cocaine stuffed inside the cardboard applicators. This incident led to a full-scale police investigation, as it appeared to be part of a sophisticated drug smuggling operation.
While this case may seem unusual, the use of tampons for drug smuggling is not a new phenomenon. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, cocaine was regularly used as a local anesthetic in surgery and was often administered in the form of a tampon soaked in a cocaine solution. Although this practice was initially unrelated to women's health, cocaine eventually became popular for treating a range of gynecological issues, including painful intercourse, uterine diseases, and cervical endometritis.
In more recent times, people have used fake tampons, or empty tampon cases, to smuggle drugs and other prohibited items into events such as concerts and football matches. These fake tampons are designed to look like regular feminine hygiene products, but they contain hidden compartments for discreetly transporting small items. This method is often employed because security personnel are reluctant to search such personal items, allowing individuals to bypass bag checks without raising suspicion.
It is important to note that airport security measures can detect unusual items, including tampons. While tampons themselves are allowed through airport security, the presence of excess toilet paper, tissues, or other absorbent materials may trigger further inspection. Additionally, factors such as loose-fitting clothing or unusual items in one's baggage can also attract unwanted attention from security personnel.
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Airports providing free menstrual products
While tampons are allowed through airport security, some people may feel uncomfortable with the idea of tampons showing up on security scanners. In such cases, it is advisable to use tampons only when necessary and avoid carrying excess toilet paper or tissues.
Unfortunately, not all airports provide free menstrual products. However, some airports have taken the initiative to provide free menstrual products in their restrooms, recognizing the importance of making these essential items accessible to travelers. For example, Chicago Airport has partnered with Citron Hygiene and Aunt Flow to provide free, sustainable, and easily accessible period products in restrooms throughout the terminal. Newark Terminal A has also collaborated with Aunt Flow and Citron Hygiene to enhance the travel experience and set a new standard for convenience and care. Winnipeg Airport Authority has recently installed free menstrual product dispensers in all its washrooms, prioritizing the needs of its employees.
Some companies, such as Blume, are advocating for the availability of free menstrual hygiene products in airports, just as toilet paper is freely available. They emphasize the need for equality and the reduction of women having to leave work to purchase period products. In Canada, as of December 2023, all federally regulated employers, including airports, are required to provide free menstrual products in employee washrooms, creating a more equitable work environment. This change is expected to have a domino effect on other sectors, with activists pushing for similar initiatives in schools and the private sector.
While progress is being made, there are still airports that lack accessible and affordable menstrual products. For instance, a traveler at Calgary International Airport had to pay $15 for a box of tampons due to non-functioning vending machines in the bathrooms. Another traveler at Vancouver International Airport faced a similar challenge, with two out of three bathrooms lacking menstrual hygiene dispensers. These incidents highlight the need for airports to prioritize providing free menstrual hygiene products to ensure a comfortable and inclusive environment for all travelers.
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Alternatives to tampons when travelling
Tampons are accessible to many and are widely used. However, they are not environmentally friendly, and studies have shown that tampons contain metals such as lead and arsenic. They can also be irritating and chemically impactful when in direct contact with the skin.
Reusable Cloth Pads
Reusable cloth pads are available in different sizes and are similar to disposable pads. They can be used for 4 to 8 hours, depending on your flow, and should be changed daily. They may not be as comfortable as some other alternatives.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are funnel-shaped devices made of medical-grade silicone or latex. They are inserted like tampons to collect menstrual fluid and can be worn for up to 12 hours. They are reusable and can be used for the entire duration of your period. They are small and discreet and do not take up space in your underwear. However, they can be expensive to purchase upfront.
Period Underwear
Period underwear can be a comfortable alternative to tampons when travelling. They are similar to disposable pads in terms of absorbency.
Menstrual Discs
Much like tampons, menstrual discs are inserted internally. They sit higher up near the cervix, which provides a more comfortable fit and better prevents leaks.
Sea Sponges
Sea sponges can be inserted to absorb blood flow in a similar fashion to traditional tampons. They are reusable and can last up to six months if properly used and regularly cleaned. They are also less expensive than some other reusable alternative period products. However, they are not sterile and still carry the risk of TSS.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring tampons with you through airport security.
Yes, tampons can show up on security scanners, but they will not be confiscated.
Unfortunately, tampons are not readily available on flights or in airports. It is recommended that you bring your own.
You can write to airlines, airports, and employers to encourage them to provide free menstrual products in their restrooms.
